FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2019

Contact: Katie O’Neill LAW OFFICES OF
Phone: (847) 244-1436 RYAN, RYAN & VIGLIONE

Email: koneill@rrvlaw.net

Law Offices of Ryan, Ryan & Viglione Obtains $1.25 Million Recovery for a Chicago Police Officer

Chicago, IL (June 2019) – Philip J. Ryan and Michael M. Viglione of Ryan, Ryan & Viglione obtained a $1.25 million recovery for a Chicago Police Officer that was catastrophically injured. The officer suffered injuries on June 2, 2015 when a felon evading a different set of police officers crashed into his car at between 60-80 miles per hour. The recovery was secured against the Officer’s uninsured motorist coverage on his personal automobile insurance policy.

The crash caused the Officer to sustain a traumatic brain injury, pelvic fractures necessitating a pubic symphyseal fusion surgery, sacroiliac joint injuries necessitating a sacroiliac joint fusion surgery, and various soft tissue injuries. Ryan and Viglione enlisted a neuropsychiatrist to provide opinion testimony concerning the Officer’s brain injury and resulting neurocognitive impairment. They additionally obtained experts in the fields of orthopedic surgery and pain management to lay out lifetime treatment plans necessary for the Officer to obtain maximum medical improvement. The $1.25 million recovery represents the full benefits available to the Officer.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Individuals can purchase uninsured motorist coverage as part of their personal automobile liability insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage protects an individual in the event that they are injured by a driver that has no insurance. This oftentimes occurs in the context of drivers who flee the scene after causing injury and therefore cannot be identified. It also occurs in situations where criminals cause catastrophic loss.

A “sibling” of uninsured motorist coverage is underinsured motorist coverage. Individuals can likewise purchase underinsured coverage as part of their personal automobile liability insurance. This coverage protects an individual in the event that they are injured by a driver with very minimal liability insurance. When an injured person’s damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage limits, then the at-fault driver is considered “underinsured”. The injured party is able to present a claim against their automobile liability insurer for underinsured motorist coverage benefits.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (commonly referred to as “UM/UIM” coverage) is a vital safeguard for Illinois citizens. These coverages protect citizens and their families from the risk of catastrophic injuries caused by those with little to no liability insurance. Ryan, Ryan & Viglione strongly recommends that you contact your insurance agent immediately to secure the highest limit of UM/UIM coverage available.

Is an Uninsured Motorist Claim different from a lawsuit?

Uninsured motorist claims differ from personal injury lawsuits in several respects. The claims are decided before a panel of three arbitrators rather than a jury. This panel includes an arbitrator appointed by the injured party, an arbitrator appointed by the insurance carrier, and a neutral arbitrator agreed upon by the parties.

An injured person must demand arbitration, select their own arbitrator, and seek appointment of a neutral arbitrator, all as a pre-requisite to obtaining uninsured motorist benefits. Demanding arbitration is vitally important, as failure to do so within two years will lead to a forfeiture of benefits. The demand for arbitration should be made immediately following a crash so that an injured party’s rights are preserved.

Obtaining Maximum Recovery

Ryan and Viglione immediately presented an uninsured motorist claim after being enlisted to represent the Officer. The main issue in the claim was the nature and extent of the Officer’s injuries. Ryan and Viglione utilized opinion testimony from a neuropsychiatrist, psychologist, orthopedic surgeon, pain management specialist, and economist to confirm the medical and economic losses associated with this tragic crash. Viglione stated:

It was an absolute pleasure representing this gentleman and his family. The undisputed evidence in this case was that this Officer was a loving father and husband whose life was tragically altered through no fault of his own. He fought for over two and half years to get back to the job he loved with the Chicago Police Department. He continues to bravely fight every single day to get back to being his former self. It is our sincere hope that this recovery can help him obtain the lifelong care he needs.

The claim was settled approximately one month prior to arbitration.

Ryan, Ryan & Viglione represents victims of wrongful death, medical malpractice, automobile and trucking crashes, nursing home neglect, premises liability, and construction negligence. The firm has offices in Waukegan, Chicago, and Schaumburg, IL. Contact Ryan, Ryan & Viglione today at (847) 244-1436 or visit our website at www.ryanryanviglione.com.